Volcanoes cause seismic reaction

But the homemade volcanoes caused a seismic reaction among the Horace Mann Middle School eighth-graders who built them in Paul Lamonica's earth science class.

After a study of the different types of volcanoes, their characteristics and origins, teams of students constructed their own volcanoes, using cardboard, masking tape, 20-ounce plastic soda bottles and newspapers. Then the students painted their volcanic works of art - almost 30 in all - in realistic fashion, Lamonica said in a news release.

The volcanoes went on display in the school library, where faculty members judged them for their creativity, the release said.

But volcanoes aren't volcanoes until you make them spew. And, armed with baking soda, vinegar and food coloring for special effect, the eighth-graders did just that on March 30.